Autonomous Systems Engineer in Swindon

Autonomous Systems Engineer in Swindon

Swindon Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Stark

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge navigation systems for autonomous drones.
  • Company: STARK, a pioneering defence technology company transforming autonomous systems.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic start-up environment with exciting challenges and career advancement.
  • Why this job: Join us to make a real impact in defence technology and support NATO allies.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Robotics or related field, with strong C++ and ROS2 skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

About Us

STARK is a defense technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned vehicles that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective – giving NATO and its allies a decisive edge in the most contested environments.
We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Your mission

We are seeking a talented Autonomous System Engineer who will develop the algorithms and software stacks that enable our UAVs to perceive their environment, navigate complex spaces, and execute missions autonomously. You will bridge the gap between high-level mission planning and low-level flight control

Responsibilities

  • Systems Engineering: Define system-level requirements, perform trade studies, and manage the technical budget
  • System Integration: Perform requirements decomposition from mission-level goals to technical specs; manage technical budgets and validation criteria.
  • Algorithm Development: Design and implement algorithms for, path planning, obstacle avoidance, SLAM and tracking.
  • Sensor Fusion: Integrate and filter data from multiple sources (LiDAR, IMU, GPS, and MIPI cameras) to create a unified state estimate.
  • Flight Testing: Lead field testing of autonomous behaviors and analyze flight logs to tune performance.
  • Behavior Logic: Develop finite state machines or behavior trees for complex mission sequencing.
  • Documentation: Writing/preparing documentation for algorithms, testing and systems

Qualifications

  • Bachelor´s or Master´s degree in Robotics, computer science, software engineering, or similar relevant areas of expertise
  • UAV Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of flight dynamics, aerodynamics, and coordinate systems (NED/ECEF/Body frames).
  • Control Theory: Proven experience in feedback control, stability analysis, and loop tuning.
  • Autopilot Ecosystems: Strong experience configuring and customizing PX4 or ArduPilot flight stacks.
  • MAVLink: Proficiency in using MAVLink/MAVSDK for vehicle communication and mission control.
  • Sensor Fusion: Hands-on experience with GPS-aided navigation and IMU filtering techniques.
  • ROS2: Experience using ROS2 for high-level mission planning or "offboard" control.
  • Python: Proficiency for algorithm prototyping, scripting, and flight log analysis.
  • Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance

Nice to Have
  • NVIDIA Jetson: Experience with the NVIDIA Jetson platforms.
  • C++: Experience in developing and testing algorithms in C++.
  • MATLAB / Simulink: Experience with Model-Based Design and automated code generation.
  • Simulation: Proficiency in Gazebo, jMAVSim, or AirSim for "Software-in-the-Loop" (SITL) testing.
  • GPS-Denied Navigation: Experience with Optical Flow, Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO), or LiDAR-based SLAM.

About us

SECURITY CLEARANCE
Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Autonomous Systems Engineer in Swindon employer: Stark

STARK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Swindon where innovation meets purpose. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology that directly supports NATO and its allies. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, STARK fosters a supportive atmosphere for all team members, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in defense technology.

Stark

Contact Details:

Stark Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Autonomous Systems Engineer in Swindon

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to autonomous systems. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions and problem-solving scenarios. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail. Confidence is key!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining STARK and contributing to our mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Autonomous Systems Engineer in Swindon

Control and Navigation Algorithms Design
C++ Programming
ROS 2 Framework
Test Driven Development
Integration of ROS2 Packages
MAVLink Protocol
NVIDIA Jetson Ecosystem

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Autonomous Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with C++, ROS2, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in autonomous systems. We want to see how you fit into our mission!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with STARK and how your background aligns with our goals. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments. We’re all about innovation and overcoming obstacles, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Stark

Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in C++, ROS 2, and MAVLink protocols. Brush up on your knowledge of GNSS denied navigation and terminal guidance for drones. Being able to discuss specific projects or challenges you've faced will show your expertise and passion for the field.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex problems in fast-paced environments. STARK values innovative thinkers, so be ready to share your thought process and the outcomes of your solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the team.

Familiarise Yourself with the Company

Research STARK’s mission and recent projects. Understanding their focus on high-performance unmanned vehicles and NATO's needs will help you align your answers with their goals. It shows genuine interest and can set you apart from other candidates.

Prepare Questions to Ask

Think of insightful questions about the role, team dynamics, or upcoming projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Engaging in a two-way conversation can leave a lasting impression.